The CHIKARA Special 3.28.10: Police Squad!

Hey everyone! Welcome back to this Sunday edition of The CHIKARA Special. This week’s a brief one, as we just have the results from last week to cover and some more King of Trios news. Well, the news is mostly updates on the Jack of All Trios tournament, but news is news! So let’s go.

The results from both shows were taken from the detailed results posted on CHIKARA 101. A link is provided at the end of the column.

Before the action officially began, Claudio Castagnoli & Ares stormed the ring, roughed up Gavin Loudspeaker and destroyed his guitar. They called for the title match to begin immediately. This prompted Fire Ant & Soldier Ant to make their way to ringside, but they were quickly penned in by the other members of the Bruderschaft. Luckily, a squad of CHIKARA tecnicos came to back them up, and the BDK were outnumbered. Director of Fun Dieter VonSteigerwalt diffused the situation by proclaiming the title match would go on last, as originally scheduled.

Interesting way to start the show. Nice to actually see Dieter on a show, since we haven’t seen him since November. Though that has become a story that he’s not at any of the shows, so perhaps it’s leading somewhere.

1) Sara Del Rey & Daizee Haze beat Los Ice Creams in 9:24 when Hijo fell victim to the ladies’ Piledriver/German Suplex combo. Fans tried to aid the Ice Creams by giving them a container of sprinkles, but they never had the opportunity to make use of them.

Really enjoying what I am seeing out of Sara and Daizee as a team, so I’m happy to see them beat Los Ice Creams. This should be a fun watch. Daizee’s been using the “don’t hit me, I’m a girl!” technique to get the upper hands at times, and I’m sure it didn’t work on the dairy deviants. I’ve got a feeling Sara and Daizee could win the Tag Gauntlet at Trios. Hmmm…

2) Tursas pinned Green Ant in 4:28 following the Kreuz Bomb. Green Ant continues to show rapid improvement, but was outmatched in this one.

Green Ant has looked awesome since 2010 started, and I don’t doubt his improvement in this match whatsoever.

3) Ophidian & Amasis beat Vin Gerard & STIGMA in 11:38 via Schoolboy roll-up. A highly competitve contest that saw both teams pull out all the stops to try and pick up a point. The teams had a post-match encounter that we believe was picked up by the SMV camera crew.

The UnStable continue to be the losers to the Tecnicos. It stinks because Vin and STIGMA performed so well in the Atomicos match at “The Mint Condition”, but didn’t follow up against The Throwbacks the night after. I wonder where this Osirian Portal/UnStable feud could be leading. Perhaps The Portal and The Throwbacks against The UnStable and Brodie during Aniversario weekend?

4) Lince Dorado triumphed over Equinox in 10:47 using the Shooting Star Press. To placate Lince’s swelling ego, Jakob Hammermeier of the BDK gave Lince high marks for his moves, using a judge’s board.

Not much to say here, except I think it would’ve been in the best interest for Equinox to have won this. BDK really needs a loss, or we’re going to reach nWo levels of dominance. That’s not good.

5) 2.0 won a forfeit over The Badd Boyz, then abandoned their Badd Boyz personas and pronounced themselves “3.0.” They were interrupted by Gran Akuma and Icarus, who seemed tired of the Canadian chicanery.

This is great. I wondered how they were going to pull this off. For those who don’t know, Interspecies Wrestling pulled the same stunt and had two guys dress up as 2.0 and fight the Badd’s. I’m happy to see 3.0 back, and I hope they get a third partner. I’d like to suggest Shayne Hawke to fill the third partner role. Also, a feud between 3.0 and F.I.S.T. sounds wonderful. They were awesome partners back at “The Mint Condition.” Also, it should be noted that this did NOT give 3.0 a point.

6) Young Lions Cup: Tim Donst retained the Cup over Dasher Hatfield in a wild 18:20 that ended when Donst used a Backslide (with his feet on the ropes for added leverage) to hold down the challenger. To no one’s surprise, the packed house in Easton was firmly behind Dasher, who made one of his strongest career performances to date.

Now this sounds like a hoot and a holler – one of the most hated men in CHIKARA versus one of the most popular. Dasher’s a personal favorite of mine, and I was tickled pink to learn he was getting a real shot at the Cup against Donst. I knew he wouldn’t win, but to hear he put on a good performance is also pleasing to hear.

7) Mike Quackenbush & Jigsaw & Hallowicked & Frightmare emerged victorious over the quartet of UltraMantis Black & Crossbones & Icarus & Gran Akuma in a high-speed, non-stop 14:03 that concluded with “Kneecolepsy” on Crossbones. After the match, Quackenbush congratulated Frightmare on his impressive pin, and told him to start thinking about going after the Young Lions Cup, especially since his partner, Hallowicked, was the longest reigning YLC champ in the history of CHIKARA.

If you have read my February CHIKARA reviews at my blog, you know that I gushed over the three Atomicos matches that happened over those two shows. I wish CHIKARA would do “King of Atomicos” next year because they’ve hit home runs with all of them this year. I expect no less from this one, especially when you consider the participants. Right now, I am most excited for this match.

8) Campeonatos de Parejas: Claudio Castagnoli & Ares b. Fire Ant & Soldier Ant to win the titles in a total of 17:06 (across two back-to-back falls.) Pre-match interference from Pink Ant, Tursas and Lince Dorado hobbled the ants chances, and the first fall lasted just a few seconds before Ares hit the Tiger Driver. The second fall – the longest in title history – went over 17 minutes before Claudio used a European Uppercut on Soldier Ant who was up in the Doomsday Device for the title change. With the addition of Los Campeonatos, the BDK have made a remarkable impact in short order – having also won the 2009 Cibernetico (Pinkie Sanchez) and capturing the Young Lions Cup back in January.

So although I’m a little tired of BDK winning everything, I am pleased Claudio and Ares won this match. I think the BDK holding all the gold is the right thing for the story, and it helps the credibility of The Colony by having them be jumped before the match by three other people. They also held up 17 minutes in the second fall which is good to see. I’m glad the Colony were able to lose the belts without losing a terrible amount of momentum. Claudio also becoming the first man in CHIKARA history to be a two-time Campeon de Parejas is a pretty big deal as well. But who on Earth will eventually dethrone them?

1) The rechristened 3.0 (of Shane Matthews and Scott “Jagged” Parker) made quick work of The Order of the Neo Solar Temple, pinning Crossbones in just 4:58 with a Sunset Flip.

Happy 3.0 won for two reasons. One, its 3.0! Who doesn’t love those guys? Second, it continues the trend from the night before of the Order’s stock in CHIKARA falling fast now that Delirious is gone. Perhaps he really was the strongest member, and the sole reason the group shot up to the top. It’s a little strange the match went so short, but that’s what happens to a bonus match on a nine-match show.

2) Pinkie “Pink Ant” Sanchez took a big win over Equinox in 11:41 using his lethal finisher, the Burning Snicklefritz.

Not happy Equinox lost twice in a row, as I really think it was best for the momentum to swing his way during this weekend. I’ll get to that more in a future edition of the Special. I will say that Sanchez’s crazy role is good in the BDK, and the Burning Snicklefritz does look absolutely devastating, so at least Equinox lost to that.

Why? Just why? What does STIGMA have to gain by winning a singles match with Dasher Hatfield? I feel like I am contradicting myself when I say the UnStable need to not be jobbed out and then complain about STIGMA winning, but I feel their strength is as a unit as opposed to in singles matches. On the flip side, Dasher could bounce back from his loss to Donst and challenge him again in the future. Boo.

Grumble grumble grumble. I thought for sure the Colony was going over here. First, I was determined to think the BDK would lose one or two matches this weekend. Second, I figured that since The Colony were going into King of Trios and this variation of the BDK is not, it would make sense for The Colony to be the ones to win in the end. Apparently not! I’ll watch this before making my final opinion, but on paper, I’m not very happy with the decision.

5) Jigsaw triumphed over Vin Gerard in 9:16 following a Brainbuster.

Good. Jigsaw’s great in CHIKARA, and this is good build up for The Future Is Now for Trios (I think they have the best shot at winning at the moment).

Really not much to say here as I’ve seen very little of each guy. BMT didn’t do much for me in his other CHIKARA appearances, but Arion got a very positive response from this past weekend. I’m intrigued to see how he did and if BMT approved since September.

7) Gran Akuma & Icarus won out over Ophidian & Amasis in 14:20 when Icarus scored with his Blu-Ray. Amasis came into the match injured from the night before, and was clearly favoring his knee.

Old school F.I.S.T.! Hopefully they played better this night than they did at “A Touch Of Class”. I’m glad this match finally happened, as I was looking forward to this when it was originally planned back in September. Hopefully it lives up to the fans expectations.

8) Lince Dorado won a DQ decision over Eddie Kingston in 10:31 for an unmasking violation. Kingston took out his frustrations post-match on Lince, then on Pinkie Sanchez, then on Sara Del Rey, until Tim Donst and Claudio Castagnoli finally overwhelmed him. Castagnoli laid out Kingston, and reminded him that he still owes him some respect (dating back to their match at “Three-Fisted Tales.”)

Y-E-S. Okay, so I’m willing to give this BDK victory a pass. Kingston seemingly beat the tar out of Lince and unmasked him to get DQ’d. Fine, it’s in Kingston’s nature to kick the bajeesus out of people. What does he care if he gets a win or not? Not only that, he was able to get his hands on a few other BDK members and was only stopped when 2 of them (Donst and Claudio) had to take down the one of him. Absolutely perfect. This is a nice build to Kingston being the one guy who can really do some serious harm to the Brüderschaft. Love it.

9) Claudio Castagnoli & Ares & Tursas defeated “Team Frightning” (of Mike Quackenbush & Hallowicked & Frightmare) in an explosive 13:04 using their triple-team move, the “Ragnarok.” In mid-match, Kingston attempted to enter the ring to exact revenge on Claudio, and this momentary distraction allowed the Tecnicos to turn things in their favor, before the BDK finally finished off Frightmare.

This sounds like a fantastic “pre-cursor to King of Trios” exhibition. I’m sure this was a lot of fun, as Quack and Claudio in the same match usually assures a very good wrestling match. From what I’ve heard, the “Ragnarok” is a very cool looking maneuver and sounds very unique. From an observer over at CHIKARA 101, he explains that Tursas and Claudio held up Frightmare by both arms in a T position. Then Ares charged at him, flipped him around, and Tursas and Claudio slammed him to the mat. I also expect this BDK trio to make it to the Final round of King of Trios, so it makes sense they beat one of the odds on favorite for the tournament as well.

Overall, an interesting set of shows in March. I think the Easton show is really important. The title change, the Dasher and Donst YLC title match, the Atomicos match, and the “debut” of 3.0 all sound like must sees to me. The final two matches of “Dead Men Don’t Laugh” sound promising, but the rest of the card seems pretty non-descript. Of course, I’ll be purchasing and reviewing both shows as they come out.

For the next few weeks, this column will be all about the King of Trios tournament. But for now, I’ll give you your regularly scheduled update.

King of Trios News Station

Slow week for Trios news, as no new trios were announced. We’re waiting for the Big Japan Wrestling office to confirm the thirteenth team. So far, we have:

On top of all that, CHIKARA will be holding their 3rd Annual Fan Conclave the afternoon of King of Trios Night 2. It will be at The Arena from 2:30 to 4:30 PM, and will feature most of the stars participating in the Trios tournament, plus more. All the events that will be occurring are listed above in the graphic.

Tickets for the Fan Conclave are $10. Tickets can ONLY be purchased at the door, and not in advance. However, CHIKARMY members get in for free with a valid membership card (i.e. if you’ve paid your dues any time in 2010). Sadly, no guests are allowed in with a CHIKARMY member (they have to pay the $10). But, as someone who was there last year, the Conclave was one of the highlights of the weekend and is worth every penny. If you’re an autograph/picture fiend or just love chattin’ up some wrestlers, this is the place for you to be Saturday April 24th.

And that my friends, is your King of Trios 2010 update.

Youtube Fun!

The 205th episode of the CHIKARA Podcast-A-Go-Go is on the air! Matches covered are from the “Cibernetico Increible” show back in October. It also includes a visual King of Trios update, including Louden pronouncing Cuije’s name! It’s sadly not like Cujo, the evil dog. Yeah I made a Stephen King reference, big whoop, wanna fight about it?

Eddie Kingston has some words for Claudio Castagnoli.

Dasher Hatfield and Sugar Dunkerton has a disturbing conversation on Tope Con Coolio.

Shills (I wish) paid the bills

My CHIKARA blog, The CHIKARA Special, is still going strong. I have tons of new reviews of matches from 2002, and entire 2003 shows up there right now. Also, CHIKARA matches from Dragon Gate have been reviewed! Go there, subscribe to the blog (on the right) and continue reading my sweet CHIKARA related reviews. Subscriptions are good because: A) They let me know you’re reading and B) They get delivered right to your inbox. Its good times, so check it out and tell your friends about The CHIKARA Special.

Check out all the new podcasts with myself and Jerome Cusson at Pro Wrestling Ponderings. This week, a plethora of podcasts have been put up. Myself, Rob Naylor, and Brad Garoon discuss Wrestlemania history and so much more.. It is by far one of the funniest, crudest, and interesting podcasts we’ve ever recorded so you owe it to yourself to listen. There’s also a podcast up now with Jerome and I discussing the DGUSA show from last night, and may be another up right now discussing the Saturday shows. The podcasts, as well as other wrestling goodies, can be found at Pro Wrestling Ponderings.

Brad Garoon’s blog, Open The Garoon Gate is all about Dragon Gate and Dragon Gate USA. He reviews every Infinity, PPV, appearance of a Dragon Gate wrestler in the U.S. and other Japanse promotion, etc. You owe it to yourself to check out that blog, as well as his Toryumon and dragondoor/El Dorado/Secret Base blogs which you can find links to on his Dragon Gate blog. Jake Ziegler also blog, JZ Says, which has WWE, TNA, ROH, and even film reviews. Make sure to check out and enjoy both!

Ari Berenstein is also back with TWO brand new Columns of Honor. It’s absolutely worth your time as always, and is a much better way to keep up with ROH than actually watching their shows. The one I linked you too has mine name in it! Make sure to go check the other out to, ya jerks.

The Grizzly Bear Egg Cafe

If you have not begun listening, Mike Quackenbush and Clayton Morris (of FOX News & Friends) host a pop-culture podcast known as The Grizzly Bear Egg Cafe. Clayton and Mike talk about all things geek such as movies, music, television, comic books, tech stuff, and wrestling here and there. I find it wildly entertaining, as Clayton and Mike play off each other very well. It’s also really cool to hear Mike talk about non-wrestling stuff as well. So please, check out The Grizzly Bear Egg Cafe and subscribe to their podcast on iTunes.

Thanks so much again for reading this weeks CHIKARA Special! Next week I’ll be back to run down in depth all 12 (hopefully 13 or 14) teams announced for King of Trios in great detail, as well as give you an update on the upcoming Jack Of All Trios tournament. But until then, HAPPY WRESTLEMANIA EVERYONE!